The Weekly Berner Report: June 27 - July 3 (Experts weigh in, please)

Although I have wormed the Berner, twice, it seems he still has a load of parasites. Tapeworms! EEEWWWWW! YUCK! Gag me! Yes, tape worms. Evidence was clinging to his skirt/pantaloons earlier this week. In my experience, tapeworms/larvae are injested when a dog eats wild rabbit. The rabbit got the tape worm, via fleas. We don't have fleas in dirtville! Does this mean Alf came from somewhere, other than dirtville, that has a flea population?

My next question is which OTC dewormer is the one that does the best job. On line research references 3: Panacur (fenbendazole) or Praziquantel (Tape Worm Tabs for dogs by TradeWinds) or Safeguard (active ingredient is fenbendazole). Of course, my first choice would be to bring him to the vet. That's not happening, just yet, due to his anxiety in the car.

Below are some of the things I pull out of Alf, each day, during grooming.

This is an enlarged picture of the item circled in red. Evil, wicked #@$^%&!!! things.

No wonder he chews at himself all day. I don't pull the foxtail, goat's heads and whitestem seeds out of his fur. I pull them out of his skin! The poor guy! He doesn't have much belly hair due to chewing and his attempt to remove the foriegn objects from his skin. I wish Stumpy would clue him in about staying out of the danger zone.

Much to my dismay and consternation, Alfy still goes for a stroll every day, before it gets real hot (after we take ours). He's back in an hour or so ready to take advantage of the AC.

He's a lttle confused here because I am trying to follow him with the camera and he just wants to say hello. He says hello for Stumpy, heads for the water and without even taking a drink plops down on the closest AC vent.

He moves from the kitchen over to the vent closest to my desk, so he can block my cool air.



We've added "down" to his repitoire.



His "down" and "sit" have really come along way, since these videos were taken, earlier this week. I don't have to use food and I can use voice or hand signals. He also returns to the sit position after a down, when asked. Normally I would be working on "stay" about this time, but once Alf is down, he is down for the count. Also, leash work stresses him out. I know we have to do it, but it's really hard for me to be the cause of his stress. I will be biting the bullet this week, for sure.

Mr.B, willingly, climbs into the back of the cab.


And his stress level lowers, just a little, each time we picnic on hotdogs and cheese in the truck.

Mr.B discovered the window, this time. I'm hoping that helps decrease his stress even more.

The Berner (now known as Alphonso Bernard Jacob Scout Billy Bob Berner)is/was a semi-feral dog trying to survive in the Mohave Desert. If you're a new visitor to our blog, the Berner's story can be read in the posts listed below, in chronological order. Updates are posted on Saturday.

If you are interested in adopting this handsome boy please refer to my sidebar and check out Petfinder's "New Dog Adopter's" Pledge. This is the home Alfy deserves. He will come to you house broken, crate trained, vet checked, neutered, up to date on his vaccinations and micro-chipped. Alfy will bring his crate, his bed, favorite toys and some food with him. Vet references will be required. A home-check is a possibility. Because of his wander lust a fenced yard is probably necessary. Distance may not be a problem. I'll be traveling east in the not too distant future. I have also had offers for transport help, when the time comes.

#1 Who's been sitting in my chair?
#2 Runnin' with the big dawgs
#3 There's a Berner in my living room!
#4 He's everywhere!
#5 He's gone
#6 The Berner: coming and going
#7 Berner News
#8 The Weekly Berner Report (March 28 - April 3)
#9 The Weekly Berner Report (April 3 - April 10)
#10 The Weekly Berner Report (April 10 - April 17);
#11 The Weekly Berner Report (April 17 - April 24)
#12 The Weekly Berner Report (April 24 - May 1)
#13 The Berner (aka Alphonso Bernard Jacob Scout Billy Bob Berner) Report: May 1 - May 8
#14 The Weekly Berner Report: May 8 - May 15
#15 The Weekly Berner Report: May 15 - 22
#16 The Berner Report: May 22 - May 29
#17 The Weekly Berner Report: May 29 - June 5
#18 The Weekly Berner Report: June 5 - 12
#19 The Weekly Berner report: June 14 - 19

The Weekly Berner Report: June 19 -26

Many thanks to Sandra, who delights me with her horses, dogs, prose, photography, gardens, culinary talents, insight and so much more at This & That for sharing Alfy's story.

I haven't even been able to work with Alf in the kennel since he ate the floor. For one, it's too hot (for me) to go anywhere to leave him in the kennel. And secondly, we are waiting for the new, inedible METAL pan to arrive from dog.com. Then we can go back to crate training.

We work on sit, in the mornings and evenings. He's getting better, but he's pure Berner in the way he does it. S.L.O.W.
Sometimes he's right on it!

Other times, not so much.

After almost two weeks of working to get him in the new truck, he finally decided it wasn't going to eat him.


He wants to get in, get his hot dog or cheese and get right out again.


He's absolutely and totally apathetic with regard to the battle I wage daily, on his behalf.
 

 

Lest you think Mr.B is entirely to blame, Stumpy also contributes to the war effort.



The Berner (now known as Alphonso Bernard Jacob Scout Billy Bob Berner)is/was a semi-feral dog trying to survive in the Mohave Desert. If you're a new visitor to our blog, the Berner's story can be read in the posts listed below, in chronological order. Updates are posted on Saturday.

If you are interested in adopting this handsome boy please refer to my sidebar and check out Petfinder's "New Dog Adopter's" Pledge. This is the home Alfy deserves. He will come to you house broken, crate trained, vet checked, neutered, up to date on his vaccinations and micro-chipped. Alfy will bring his crate, his bed, favorite toys and some food with him. Vet references will be required. A home-check is a possibility. Because of his wander lust a fenced yard is probably necessary. Distance may not be a problem. I'll be traveling east in the not too distant future. I have also had offers for transport help, when the time comes.

#1 Who's been sitting in my chair?
#2 Runnin' with the big dawgs
#3 There's a Berner in my living room!
#4 He's everywhere!
#5 He's gone
#6 The Berner: coming and going
#7 Berner News
#8 The Weekly Berner Report (March 28 - April 3)
#9 The Weekly Berner Report (April 3 - April 10)
#10 The Weekly Berner Report (April 10 - April 17);
#11 The Weekly Berner Report (April 17 - April 24)
#12 The Weekly Berner Report (April 24 - May 1)
#13 The Berner (aka Alphonso Bernard Jacob Scout Billy Bob Berner) Report: May 1 - May 8
#14 The Weekly Berner Report: May 8 - May 15
#15 The Weekly Berner Report: May 15 - 22
#16 The Berner Report: May 22 - May 29
#17 The Weekly Berner Report: May 29 - June 5
#18 The Weekly Berner Report: June 5 - 12
#19 The Weekly Berner report: June 14 - 19

The Weekly Berner Report: June 14 - June 19

First of all I would like to thank Paula who blogs at Woof, Whinny, Whisper for helping to find Mr.B his happily forever after home. I really appreciate that you posted his story on your blog. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

If anyone would like to share the Berner's story to help him find his home, let me know and if you want, I will send his most recent post in editing format to make posting easier.

Many people think I should keep this handsome guy. Believe me, there is nothing Stumpy and I would like more. It's going to break my heart part with him. My living situation is a tricky one and my finances less than stable. The responsible thing for me is to find him a home that can afford the care of another dog and one that knows where they will be living from one day to the next. There was a time when I could keep dogs that I fostered, if I had questions regarding their ability to adapt. That's not the case anymore, and hasn't been for a long time. As a matter of fact, I wasn't even sure I could bring this dog along.

There is no question in my mind that Alf will adapt to a new situation. All it will take is patience and TLC and plenty of snacks. Berner's are known for their loyalty and it has been said that rehoming them is often difficult because of that fact. Alfy has been affectionate and welcoming to anyone and everyone that has visited. I expect he will bond with someone, deeply, when given the chance, love and, PLEASE, don't forget the cheese and hotdogs.

On to the news... the main deal now, is getting him to transport safely. Basically we're just working with getting him to ride in the car. In the past, when I worked with transporting an anxious dog I always made sure we went somewhere fun: the park, the lake, to get ice cream. I don't have any of those options in dirtville, unfortunately.
Monday, June 14
Alfy was so quick to jump into the car, that I had a hard time getting a video! He didn't even give me chance to tell him to get in!





I shut the back door and he hopped into the back seat. He did seem a little stressed, so he got some of his favorite snacks and some lovin'.

Tuesday, June 15
Mr.B is hopping in and out of the car, like it's nothing. It doesn't matter which door: front, back or boot.



It looks like he's ready and waiting to go for a ride, doesn't it?


Wednesday, June 18
Berner Boy went for his first short ride, today. He was less than thrilled but didn't puke so I was happy. After the ride he didn't want to get near the car. In hindsight, I know that I rushed him. Boo on me :(

Thursday, June 19
Mr.B is a little hesitant to get in the car, but hotdogs convince him it's not all bad. I was hoping we'd all go to the lake or river for a swim on Monday, but I think Alf needs more time. We're back to just feeding him hotdogs while sitting in the car. No more rides for awhile.

Friday, June 20
Alf doesn't like Blue, Stumpy's new truck, at all. We're starting from square one with the truck and working with both vehicles now.

He hops into the Trooper from the back with no problem.


Getting into the back seat causes a little more concern for him.



Stumpy is eyeballing the hotdogs

Don'tcha know? ACD's have sooper telekinetic powers. Those hotdogs are magically going to pop right into her mouth any second now!


Some random cute Berner Dog pictures
OK, I know I shouldn't allow him to put his head on the table. I corrected him after I got my pictures.


Yes, I know. The correction probably didn't mean a lot after I slid some treats under his nose. He's just so cute and such a big galoot, I can't help myself!

Frog dog for Merdie!


Just to give you a clue on exactly how laid back the Berner is, I offer this video. Quite often Alf lies down twice before entering. I think he enjoys me walking and over him, maybe hoping for a belly scratch. He's NOT one of those dogs that bothers to get up, to trip you, when you walk over him.




If you are interested in adopting this handsome boy please refer to my sidebar and check out Petfinder's "New Dog Adopter's" Pledge. This is the home Alfy deserves. He will come to you house broken, crate trained, vet checked, neutered, up to date on his vaccinations and micro-chipped. Alfy will bring his crate, his bed, favorite toys and some food with him. Vet references will be required. A home-check is a possibility. Because of his wander lust a fenced yard is probably necessary. Distance may not be a problem. I'll be traveling east in the not too distant future. I have also had offers for transport help, when the time comes.

The Berner (now known as Alphonso Bernard Jacob Scout Billy Bob Berner)is/was a semi-feral dog trying to survive in the Mohave Desert. If you're a new visitor to our blog, the Berner's story can be read in the posts listed, in chronological order, below. Updates are posted on Saturday.
#1 Who's been sitting in my chair?
#2 Runnin' with the big dawgs
#3 There's a Berner in my living room!
#4 He's everywhere!
#5 He's gone
#6 The Berner: coming and going
#7 Berner News
#8 The Weekly Berner Report (March 28 - April 3)
#9 The Weekly Berner Report (April 3 - April 10)
#10 The Weekly Berner Report (April 10 - April 17);
#11 The Weekly Berner Report (April 17 - April 24)
#12 The Weekly Berner Report (April 24 - May 1)
#13 The Berner (aka Alphonso Bernard Jacob Scout Billy Bob Berner) Report: May 1 - May 8
#14 The Weekly Berner Report: May 8 - May 15
#15 The Weekly Berner Report: May 15 - 22
#16 The Berner Report: May 22 - May 29
#17 The Weekly Berner Report: May 29 - June 5
#18 The Weekly Berner Report: June 5 - 12

The Weekly Berner Report: June 5 - June 12

Not much to report, here. I feel bad leaving Stumpy and Fenway in their kennels inside, to work with the Berner outside during the only part of the day we can be outside playing or walking. Add vehicle shopping to that and it's either too dark or too hot to do much of anything.

Alf didn't do so well in an extended (4 hours) in the kennel. I thought I would only be gone for a couple hours, car shopping. when I got home he was covered in slobber, had moved the kennel about 4 feet and chewed part of the cheapo plastic tray that came with the kennel.

There doesn't seem to be any residual effects from his anxiety. He's perfectly happy to go in and out of his kennel and rest there, too.
He's been doing so well, I'm sure we'll get this down.

He learned he better hang onto his bone for dear life or Fenway would snag it at the first opportunity. And hang onto it he did! For a VERY long time!


But there is big news
...
drum roll, please...

.
.
.
.
.
.
.

Please notice Stumpy in the back seat encouraging alf. NO!!! She is not there just hoping he misses a treat! She's absolutely there to provide moral support!


It happened quite by accident.
My son was here, loading Fenway's kennel and stuff in his Explorer. The back door was open and Alf climbed in!

After they left, we tried him in Red, the Trooper. It took a couple of snacks to convince him, but in he went!
And he's looking pretty comfortable!

We'll get him in there a few more times before we take him for a ride. Maybe he'll remember how much he likes to ride.

Especially when we take him to the lake or river for a swim in our new (to me) truck! That's right, folks! I am the proud owner of a vehicle tha't going to take us the hell out of dirtville!

Don't tell Alfy, but it's also going to get him to the vet's for his brain surgery, vaccinations, micro-chipping, and blood work. Then he'll be ready for his new home.

If you are interested in adopting this handsome boy please refer to my sidebar and check out Petfinder's "New Dog Adopter's" Pledge. This is the home Alfy deserves. He will come to you house broken, crate trained, vet checked, neutered, up to date on his vaccinations and micro-chipped. Vet references will be required. A home-check is a possibility. Because of his wander lust a fenced yard is probably necessary. Distance may not be a problem. I'll be traveling east in the not too distant future. I have also had offers for transport help, when the time comes.

The Berner (now known as Alphonso Bernard Jacob Scout Billy Bob Berner)is/was a semi-feral dog trying to survive in the Mohave Desert. If you're a new visitor to our blog, the Berner's story can be read in the posts listed, in chronological order, below. Updates are posted on Saturday.
#1 Who's been sitting in my chair?
#2 Runnin' with the big dawgs
#3 There's a Berner in my living room!
#4 He's everywhere!
#5 He's gone
#6 The Berner: coming and going
#7 Berner News
#8 The Weekly Berner Report (March 28 - April 3)
#9 The Weekly Berner Report (April 3 - April 10)
#10 The Weekly Berner Report (April 10 - April 17);
#11 The Weekly Berner Report (April 17 - April 24)
#12 The Weekly Berner Report (April 24 - May 1)
#13 The Berner (aka Alphonso Bernard Jacob Scout Billy Bob Berner) Report: May 1 - May 8
#14 The Weekly Berner Report: May 8 - May 15
#15 The Weekly Berner Report: May 15 - 22

#16 The Berner Report: May 22 - May 29
#17 The Weekly Berner Report: May 29 - June 5

The Weekly Berner Report: May 29 - June 5

I can't even begin to tell you how proud I am of our Berner Boy. We had company, which included Kuzzin Fenway. After a half-hearted show of dominance, Fenway became Alfy's new best friend! On top of that, Alfy welcomed our three 2-legged guests with confidence and and tail wags. He was perfectly happy to go from human to human for pats and skritches. You would have never guessed this guy was fresh off the streets. Three strange people in the house and he was just fine with them. I know from reports by neighbors that he is still stand offish when he's wandering. Even when they call him by name, he ignores them. they try to entice him with treats and he wants no part of them.

Summer has arrived in dirtville :( The dogs and I are outside from about 5 until 7am, then inside for most of the day. We finally have some shade around 4pm. That doesn't leave much time for training. Having an extra dog here complicates things a little further.

I don't go far from the air conditioning in the heat, but Alfy has been left in the kennel for a little over an hour without stressing. I have left the video on on the camera while I am gone, and although it doesn't stay on for long, I don't see any stress. My guess is that he is perfectly happy to be inside out of the heat.

I have been searching for a car all week (. That means driving a minimum of 50 miles and at least an hour one way. I've had to leave Alf outside because the trips end up being all day affairs. Do you think he's ready for the kennel all day?

Mr.B plays well with others (besides Stumpy) He and Fenway get along pretty good. Occasionally, there's a small disagreement, usually when Mr. B tries to take a toy that Fenway is not ready to give him. Alfy backs right down and looks pretty embarrassed that his "tough guy" bluff got called out


Alfy learns about air conditioning ducts




when we come in from outside he heads for the closes duct.

And he learned that The bathroom is the coolest room in the house

If he's not laying on top of an air conditioning duct, you'll find him in the bathroom.


If you are interested in adopting this handsome boy please refer to my sidebar and check out Petfinder's "New Dog Adopter's" Pledge. This is the home Alfy deserves. He will come to you house broken, crate trained, vet checked, neutered, up to date on his vaccinations and micro-chipped. Vet references will be required. A home-check is a possibility. Because of his wander lust a fenced yard is probably necessary. Distance may not be a problem. I'll be traveling east in the not too distant future. I have also had offers for transport help, when the time comes.

The Berner (now known as Alphonso Bernard Jacob Scout Billy Bob Berner)is/was a semi-feral dog trying to survive in the Mohave Desert. If you're a new visitor to our blog, the Berner's story can be read in the posts listed, in chronological order, below. Updates are posted on Saturday.
#1 Who's been sitting in my chair?
#2 Runnin' with the big dawgs
#3 There's a Berner in my living room!
#4 He's everywhere!
#5 He's gone
#6 The Berner: coming and going
#7 Berner News
#8 The Weekly Berner Report (March 28 - April 3)
#9 The Weekly Berner Report (April 3 - April 10)
#10 The Weekly Berner Report (April 10 - April 17);
#11 The Weekly Berner Report (April 17 - April 24)
#12 The Weekly Berner Report (April 24 - May 1)
#13 The Berner (aka Alphonso Bernard Jacob Scout Billy Bob Berner) Report: May 1 - May 8
#14 The Weekly Berner Report: May 8 - May 15
#15 The Weekly Berner Report: May 15 - 22

#16 The Berner Report: May 22 - May 29

The Berner Report: May 22 - May 29

This dog is one of the funniest, silliest dogs I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. The better I get to know him, the more sure I am that someone, somewhere, has got to be grieving his loss. They're also missing a lot of laughs!
Mr.B is a goofball!


People have commented on how patient I've been with Alfy's rehab. Really, the credit all goes to the Berner dog. He's so willing and laid back. Berner Boy is also gentle, charming, brave, adaptable, patient, affectionate, trusting and loyal. He's made these last few months so much fun with his attitude. Yes, we've had moments of frustration, but only because I fear for him, when he's not with me. If training has been slow, it's because of my limitations, not his.

He never gets mad at Stumpy, no matter how hard she pushes.

And believe me, Stumpy is one pushy dog! She teases him, purposefully sets him up for attacks, invades his space and in general just makes a total P.I.T.A. of herself. Mr. B just takes it with a grin and a wag.


For those of you who don't think Berner Boy ever uses all four on the floor or is capable of running...
Zoomies!


Alfy goes in his kennel when told, without bribery.


And stays in the kennel for over an hour, without complaining.
1/2 hour

45 minutes

I'm remaining close, either in the house or yard, while he's in the kennel. He'll be on his own, for sure on Monday, for awhile.

He spent some time sulking, because he wasn't allowed to wander, this week. Although he is easily distracted from his need to go, as soon as the fun is over he goes back to sulking.


Alfy loves his naps!




Stumpy cleaned her office out at the food bank and brought her cardboard box-bed home.
Berner in a box




Alfy is also practicing his khetching technique so he can enter Khyra's Khetch Me If You Khan Khontest.

So far, he's only made the bloopers.

We really haven't done a ton of stuff, in the training department, this week. We've worked on sit and he's doing pretty good, but not dropping his bum into it, yet. Maybe he never will, but he seems to know what I want.

He's taking treats from me while I am sitting in the car. He'll be sitting in the car in no time.

If you are interested in adopting this handsome boy please refer to my sidebar and check out Petfinder's "New Dog Adopter's" Pledge. This is the home Alfy deserves. He will come to you house broken, crate trained, vet checked, neutered, up to date on his vaccinations and micro-chipped. Vet references will be required. A home-check is a possibility. Because of his wander lust a fenced yard is probably necessary. Distance may not be a problem. I'll be traveling east in the not too distant future. I have also had offers for transport help, when the time comes.

The Berner (now known as Alphonso Bernard Jacob Scout Billy Bob Berner)is/was a semi-feral dog trying to survive in the Mohave Desert. If you're a new visitor to our blog, the Berner's story can be read in the posts listed, in chronological order, below. Updates are posted on Saturday.
#1 Who's been sitting in my chair?
#2 Runnin' with the big dawgs
#3 There's a Berner in my living room!
#4 He's everywhere!
#5 He's gone
#6 The Berner: coming and going
#7 Berner News
#8 The Weekly Berner Report (March 28 - April 3)
#9 The Weekly Berner Report (April 3 - April 10)
#10 The Weekly Berner Report (April 10 - April 17);
#11 The Weekly Berner Report (April 17 - April 24)
#12 The Weekly Berner Report (April 24 - May 1)
#13 The Berner (aka Alphonso Bernard Jacob Scout Billy Bob Berner) Report: May 1 - May 8
#14 The Weekly Berner Report: May 8 - May 15
#15 The Weekly Berner Report: May 15 - 22

The Berner Report: May 15 - May 22

It's hard to believe, but it's been over 3 months since Mr.B arrived on my doorstep. He's come such a long way. But he still has far to go. That includes finding his happily-ever-after forever home. If you think you might be Alfy's happily ever after, or know of someone that might be, please contact me. I've added my email address to my profile.

It's been a seriously stressful week, both at home and at the food bank. Once again, I haven't kept the camera as handy as usual. Here are our highlights.

Alfy uses his kennel, by choice, frequently. He stays in his closed kennel for up to a half an hour, while I am home. In the video below, Alfy remained in his kennel for about 20 minutes while I was in and out of the room and the house.

He hasn't complained, but pants heavily and does not appear relaxed. Although he enters the kennel for treats, he doesn't eat any of them. (Stumpy has learned, quickly, to check out the Berner's kennel for leftovers as soon as kennel time is over.


This week, I am going to begin leaving him in the kennel while I leave for short periods. As a side note, Stumpy is always kenneled within Alfy's scope of vision when he is kenneled. I hope to begin to remove Stumpy from the equation giving her some much needed and sorely missed alone time. One step at a time, though.

BHD (Big Hairy Dog) is also walking nicely on a leash.You can see the slack in the leash in the picture below.

In the video, he walks nicely at my side, stopping when I stop, all without asking. At first, he was a little confused about where to walk, (i.e. between my legs and on my right side.) Again, with nothing from me but light guidance (no vocals) he has figured out (remembered?) his proper position.


He's good with me restraining him using his collar. When I brush him or attach his leash there is no resistance or discomfort at all.

He's also learning to be tethered.


For the record, I would never leave a dog tied, unsupervised; nor do I condone it. I don't have a fenced yard and often times Stumpy is tied out while I am inside and can easily reach her if necessary. She can also go in and out of the house when tied. They both like to sit out on the deck and watch the world go by. I think tethering is an important life lesson for a dog. As someone who travels and camps my dogs were often tied (again, always under close supervision) and needed to know how to deal with tying. Again, tethering should only be done under close supervision. The Berner really hasn't been tied, yet, but attached to me so I can convince him he wants to stay when he thinks he wants to go.

He's not unhappy so much at being tethered, he's crying because he want's to be on the road, checking out the neighborhood. He's been whining and pacing for a few hours, now. We take a walk, he settles down and a half an hour later he's at it again. Rinse and repeat. A fenced yard would be a wonderful thing right now.

Foxtail? Have you heard of them?

If not, say a prayer of gratitude. The Berner is constantly scratching and digging into his coat and foxtail is the culprit.

It's a multi barbed grass seed. They cling to a dogs coat and work themselves into nasal and ear passages and under the skin, and they continue to travel doing major damage. For Stumpy, thankfully, they are a non issue since she doesn't leave the dirt roads and is short-haired. For the Berner they are a real problem. I'm hoping a solved problem now that the big guy's wandering days are over.

As I brush him I am digging pulling hundreds of them out of his under coat.

As I said at the beginning of the post there has been some major stress at home this week. Part of that stems from my inability to contain the Berner. There was an incident on Saturday involving the Berner and a neighbor. Nobody was hurt, but my already crazy, on-the-edge neighbor* is all pissed off and freaked out. At this point, the Berner could be a liability and I must take responsibility for him. As of now, his wandering days are over. There is one slight problem, though. He doesn't like to potty on the leash. At this writing (Friday, 5:30pm) it's been over 24 hours, at least 6 walks and no sign of relief.

With both his collar and leash issues under control, we can begin some more formal training with basic commands. I'm hoping to be home for the next 6 days, to work with him. the only thing that will be allowed to infringe on this plan is vehicle shopping.

We haven't worked, at all, with getting him in the car this week, for various reasons. His time to reconcile with the car is coming. I'll have no excuse this coming week. That said, I think getting him into the kennel, willingly and on command, will work in our favor. Paula, who blogs at Woof Whinny Whisper has given me some great advice to that end.

Saturday, May 22
Happy birthday, Mum!

Twelve walks, yesterday and Berner boy finally forced himself to relieve himself! Oh! You wanted pictures?

Wait a minute! that's a pile of pooped Berners, not a pile of Berner poop!

Today, it's 9:30, we've had 4 walks since 5am and nothing. Fortunately, it's alittle cooler today. I thought about starting at the beginning, much like I would house train a puppy, but I don't think using the kennel in that way would be the best thing for him right now. And he's already house trained. I've had other male dogs that weren't fond of doing their business when leashed, but they knew when I said "Hurry up!" that meant go if you have to and did, as does Stumpy.

And he's sulking. He won't look at me

won't take treats from me and hides in the bathroom.

He doesn't love me any more :( Unless I have turkey and I DO have turkey! :)

If you are interested in adopting this handsome boy please refer to my sidebar and check out Petfinder's "New Dog Adopter's" Pledge. This is the home Alfy deserves. He will come to you vet checked, neutered, up to date on his vaccinations and micro-chipped. Vet references will be required. A home-check is a possibility. Because of his wander lust a fenced yard is probably necessary. Distance may not be a problem. I'll be traveling east in the not too distant future. I have also had offers for transport help, when the time comes.

The Berner (now known as Alphonso Bernard Jacob Scout Billy Bob Berner)is/was a semi-feral dog trying to survive in the Mohave Desert. If you're a new visitor to our blog, the Berner's story can be read in the posts listed, in chronological order, below. Updates are posted on Saturday.
#1 Who's been sitting in my chair?
#2 Runnin' with the big dawgs
#3 There's a Berner in my living room!
#4 He's everywhere!
#5 He's gone
#6 The Berner: coming and going
#7 Berner News
#8 The Weekly Berner Report (March 28 - April 3)
#9 The Weekly Berner Report (April 3 - April 10)
#10 The Weekly Berner Report (April 10 - April 17);
#11 The Weekly Berner Report (April 17 - April 24)
#12 The Weekly Berner Report (April 24 - May 1)
#13 The Berner (aka Alphonso Bernard Jacob Scout Billy Bob Berner) Report: May 1 - May 8
#14 The Weekly Berner Report: May 8 - May 15


*Yes, the animal hoarding, trash collecting neighbors moved and now I have another crazy over there. It could be me, I suppose. You know, the ol' "I'm not crazy it's the rest of the world" syndrome.